Poster Details
LITTER DECOMPOSITION IN LONG-LEAF PINE WETLANDS UNDER ALTERED FIRE REGIMES
Disturbances play crucial roles in many ecosystems, but common forms of disturbance
are often artificially altered or removed by anthropogenic factors. Historically, Longleaf Pine
forests of the southeastern U.S. experienced regular wildfires in intervals ranging from 1–10
years depending on habitat type. Fire suppression became widespread during the 1900s, and the
effects on upland forests have been well documented. However, the impacts of altered fire
regimes on wetlands embedded within Longleaf Pine forests have been less studied. Here, we
examine decomposition rates and invertebrate communities in fire-suppressed versus firemaintained
pine flatwoods wetlands using litter packs of three different types (Longleaf Pine,
Black Gum, and Wiregrass). After 25d, average decomposition rates were faster in Black Gum
(–0.015±0.002) than in pine (–0.010±0.001) and wiregrass (–0.008±0.001) regardless of fire
history. This trend remained after 104d, with only 53% of Black Gum remaining compared to
76% of pine and 77% of wiregrass litter. Invertebrate samples from litter bags are still being
processed, but we predict communities will differ based on litter type. Measuring decomposition
rates of several litter types presents us with a better understanding of how altered disturbance
regimes impact fundamental ecosystem processes.
Khalil Carson (Primary Presenter/Author,Co-Presenter/Co-Author), GEORGIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY, kc06218@georgiasouthern.edu;
Checo Colon-Gaud (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Georgia Southern University, jccolongaud@georgiasouthern.edu;
Houston Chandler (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), The ORIANNE SOCIETY, hchandler@oriannesociety.org;